I have written a book on the politics of autism policy. Building on this research, this blog offers insights, analysis, and facts about recent events. If you have advice, tips, or comments, please get in touch with me at jpitney@cmc.edu

Last week, Senators Bill Cassidy and Lindsey Graham unveiled the latest plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and decimate the Medicaid program. Similar to previous plans, the Cassidy-Graham proposal is another heartless attempt to strip away a critical lifeline from the nation’s most vulnerable communities. Although the official Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score is forthcoming, we know the Cassidy-Graham plan proposes the same damaging cuts and caps to Medicaid as its two unsuccessful predecessors, the American Health Care Act (AHCA) and Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA).

The Cassidy-Graham plan puts per capita caps on Medicaid, leading to devastating cuts in funding, penalizes states that have invested in their Medicaid systems, and phases out the Medicaid expansion and marketplace subsidies. The bill also includes block grants which will sunset after 2026, leaving uncertainty as to how funding gaps will be addressed down the line. A few senators have come out against the proposal, but we need to take action TODAY to ensure the Cassidy Graham plan fails to make it to the floor for a vote.

Contact your senators (202-224-3121) today and urge them to oppose the Cassidy-Graham plan or any other bill that cuts, caps or block grants Medicaid. We demonstrated the power of our collective voices with previous attempts to gut Medicaid, and together we can ensure the Cassidy-Graham proposal meets a similar fate.